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Our travel health specialists are specially trained to provide you with up to date recommendations including appropriate immunizations, preventative medications, and counseling on precautionary measures to avoid insect-borne diseases and travelers’ diarrhea. Our goal is to make your trip as comfortable and healthy as possible.
Pre-arrival
THAILAND’S ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Thailand’s Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced the ending of the nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree on 30 September 2022, as the kingdom reclassifies COVID-19 from ‘a dangerous communicable disease’ to ‘a communicable disease under surveillance’ from 1 October 2022.

The CCSA also stated that from 1 October 2022, international travellers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results.

Safety and Security

The Kingdom of Thailand continue to attract thousands of tourists and new residents from around the world, all drawn to its diverse landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and ancient culture. Although tourists and residents of Thailand can enjoy relative calm and safety throughout their time in the Kingdom, it’s important to be aware of the current realities facing Thailand.

Political Situation in Thailand

The government structure of Thailand is known as a Constitutional Monarchy, currently under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in December 2016 following the October 2016 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Since 2005, Thailand has experienced many instances of political turmoil which include a military coup d’état in 2006 that resulted in the removal of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Chinawat, followed by anti-government protests and conflicts between competing political factions for several years. Despite the formal end of the military government in 2019, the army continues to dominate the new administration. The March 2019 general election resulted in a coalition government led by the military-aligned Phalang Pracharat (PP) party, under the prime ministership of Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Today, the political situation in most of Thailand is relatively calm, with the new constitution having been signed in April 2017. However, the Southern region of the country continues to experience unrest and violence due to ethnic and nationalist insurgents. Officials continue to advise tourists and residents to exercise caution when traveling to these areas, and to always stay informed of the current political climate. In Bangkok, political street protests sometimes take place and could affect traffic.

Thailand has a healthy and fairly consistent system of information and journalism, where the most current political events and realities are covered both in English and Thai. One such outlet is the Bangkok Post.

Safety in Thailand: Road Travel

Traveling within Thailand is relatively simple with buses, trains, planes, and boats making it possible to reach nearly all areas of the country rather easily. Within the city of Bangkok taxis, motorcycles, cars, and an extensive subway system connects the entire city. For those who choose to drive in Thailand, there are some important points to consider regarding the laws and regulations that govern driving in Thailand. The website “Driving in Thailand” provides comprehensive information on the rules, regulations, and expectations that come along with driving in Thailand.
 

For updates on the 2019-nCov situation

For updates on the 2019-nCov situation, infection prevention and control measures at Bumrungrad International Hospital, and advice on how to avoid infection.
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF COVID-19 FOR YOUR SAFETY AT BUMRUNGRAD INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

  • Guidelines for Receiving Treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital
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  • The hospital’s highest priority is to provide everyone with the safest environment possible. So, advised you to wear face mask at all times while you are at the hospital-both inside the hospital buildings and outdoors.
 
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  • Protocols for relatives and guests visiting during the COVID-19 outbreak

Measure are in place to ensure a safe and orderly environment for patient, visitors, and staff, compliant with the safety measures set by the Department of Disease Control during the COVID-9 outbreak.

 

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Legionellosis


Situation - Argentina
 

On 29 August 2022, WHO was notified by the Ministry of Health of Argentina of a report from the Ministry of Public Health of Tucumán Province, of a cluster of six cases of bilateral pneumonia without an etiological cause identified in San Miguel de Tucumán city, Tucuman Province, Argentina 1.  All six cases were linked to one private health facility in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán, with the onset of symptoms between 18 and 22 August 2022. The six cases included five health workers and one patient who was admitted to the clinic for an unrelated condition and then subsequently to the intensive care unit after developing pneumonia. In addition to bilateral pneumonia, all cases presented with fever, myalgia, abdominal pain, and dyspnea.

On 1 September, three additional cases were identified through active case finding - all health workers from the same private health facility, aged 30 to 44 years - with similar signs and symptoms to the initial six cases identified 2. The onset of symptoms for these cases was between 20 and 25 August 2022.

Between 2 and 3 September, two additional cases were identified, an 81-year-old male and a 64-year-old male, both with comorbidities, who were hospitalized and presented similar clinical presentation as the previous cases 3.

As of 3 September 2022, 11 cases have been identified, four of whom have died (three health workers). Eight of the 11 reported cases are health workers of the same health facility. The median age of the cases is 45 years; seven are male. Ten cases had underlying conditions and/or risk factors for severe disease, including the four reported deaths. Four cases are still hospitalized as of 3 September. Contacts of the cases are under follow-up and, to date, none have developed symptoms.
 

Epidemiology of Legionellosis
 

Legionellosis is a generic term describing the pneumonic and non-pneumonic forms of infection with the Legionella species of bacteria. Legionellosis varies in severity from mild to serious and can sometimes be fatal.
Legionnaires’ disease, the pneumonic form, has an incubation period of 2 to 10 days (but up to 16 days have been recorded in some outbreaks). 
symptoms are fever, mild cough, loss of appetite, headache, malaise and lethargy, with some patients also experiencing muscle pain, diarrhoea and confusion.
 

Transmission of disease and symptoms
 

The most common form of transmission of Legionella is inhalation of contaminated aerosols from contaminated water. Sources of aerosols that have been linked with transmission of Legionella include air conditioning cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, humidifiers and whirlpool spas. Infection can also occur by aspiration of contaminated water or ice, particularly in susceptible hospital patients, and by exposure of babies during water births. To date, there has been no reported direct human-to-human transmission.
 

Marburg virus disease


Province Concern
 

Ghana
 

Situation - Ghana
 

On 17 July 2022, Ghana has confirmed its first two cases of the deadly Marburg virus, a highly infectious disease in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola.
The laboratory corroborated the results from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, which suggested their illness was due to the Marburg virus. One case was a 26-year-old man who checked into a hospital on June 26 and died a day later. The second was a 51-year-old man who went to a hospital on June 28 and died the same day.
 

Clinical features  of disease
 

Marburg is a rare but highly infectious viral hemorrhagic fever and is in the same family as Ebola, a better-known virus that has plagued West Africa for years.

The incubation period lasts from five to 10 days (range 3–21 days), and is most likely related to the infectious dose and the route of infection. Transmission does not occur during the incubation period. The onset of MVD is abrupt, with non-specific, flu-like symptoms such as a high fever (usually 39–40°C), severe headache, chills, myalgia, prostration, and malaise. In 50–75% of patients, rapid debilitation, marked by gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, abdominal discomfort, severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, occurs within 2–5 days. The intensity of the disease increases on days 5–7, with a maculopapular rash and symptoms of haemorrhagic fever, such as petechiae, mucosal and gastrointestinal bleeding, and bleeding from venipuncture sites. Neurological symptoms (disorientation, agitation, seizures, and coma) can occur in later stages of the disease.
 

Transmission of disease and symptoms
 

Marburg is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Illness begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and malaise. Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic signs within seven days. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and the quality of case management.
Although there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.
 

Monkeypox


Province Concern
 

 - The top 5 countries are United States of America 28244 cases, Brazil 9045 cases, Spain 7317 cases, France 4094 cases, United Kingdom 3698 cases (update 28 Oct 2022)
 - The global situation as of 28 Oct 2022 have been reported 76,713 confirmed cases of Monkeypox. Outbreaks have been found in 109 countries
 

Situation
 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control(CDC) released new data in its weekly Mortality and Mortality Report, indicating that 99% of the U.S. cases of monkeypox are male. The report, released on Aug. 5, also showed that 94% of male infected had sexual intercourse with same sex or close contact during the three weeks before the onset of symptoms. While the infection was found in minority and ethnic groups as well. These epidemiological details should guide treatment and vaccination. Current research indicates that monkeypox is widespread and affects gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men. Consistent with data reported from other countries, the US has the most confirmed cases of monkeypox in the world, reaching 9,429 and that figure is likely to be underestimated. due to lack of laboratory testing.

The World Health Organization has declared the global monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) as public health measures taken fail to stem the disease’s spread.
 

Situation in Thailand
 

On August 9, 2022, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office. Reveal the progress of the monkeypox vaccine procurement. Now the Ministry of Public Health has ordered the monkeypox vaccine. and is expected to be imported around the end of August 2022. The vaccine is currently being developed, but data on the side effects and efficacy of the vaccine when it is used in the population must be monitored. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of vaccines against essential diseases such as frontline healthcare workers. According to information from the Ministry of Public Health stated that the Immunization Subcommittee has set the target groups to receive the preliminary vaccination 2 groups: 1. The group before exposure. (Pre-exposure) includes a group of medical personnel who are at risk of infection and 2. a group at risk after exposure to the disease not more than 14 days (Post-exposure), which if injected early will have an increased chance of preventing infection.
 
On October 24, 2022, the Department of Disease Control reported that the 12th case of smallpox in Thailand has been confirmed in Phuket. The patient was an Omani male. Traveling from Oman Arrived in Phuket on October 4, details are under investigation.
 

Epidemiology of the disease
 

Monkeypox is a sylvatic zoonosis with incidental human infections that usually occur in forested parts of Central and West Africa.
There are 2 species : West African clade, mild symptoms. The morbidity and mortality rate is 1%
                             The Central African clade, more severe symptoms. The mortality rate is 10%
 

Transmission
 

large respiratory droplets , direct contact with body fluids or lesion material
 

Signs and Symptoms
 

Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Backache, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Exhaustion ,and a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.
 

Prevention
 

1) Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
2) Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
3) Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
4) Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5) Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
 

Treatment
 

Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox virus infection. For purposes of controlling a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, smallpox vaccine, antivirals, and vaccinia immune globulin (VIG)
 

Ebola virus disease (EVD)


Province Concern
 

Congo
 

Situation
 

- From 23 April to 2 July 2022, a total of 12,214 confirmed cases alerts were reported from Mbandaka city (Mbandaka, Wangata and Bolenge health zones).
- On 4 July 2022, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared the end of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak that affected Mbandaka and Wangata health zones, Equateur province. In accordance with WHO recommendations, the declaration was made 42 days (twice the maximum incubation period) after the burial of the last confirmed case who died in the community.

Avian Influenza A


Province Concern
 

- Avian Influenza A(H3N8) - China
- Avian Influenza A (H5N1) - United States of America
 

Situation - China
 

On 25 April 2022, the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China notified WHO of one confirmed case of human infection with an avian influenza A(H3N8) virus. The case is a 4-year-old boy from Henan Province. He developed fever, cough, shortness of breath on 5 April 2022, and was admitted to the hospital in critical condition on 10 April 2022 with severe pneumonia with respiratory failure. Before his onset of illness, the case had consumed chickens that were kept in the backyard but did not have direct exposure to them prior to illness onset. Clinical observation and sampling of the case’s close contacts, environment, local poultry market, and wild bird habitat were conducted, and no infection or any symptoms of illness were found.
 

Situation - United States of America
 

On 29 April 2022, the National IHR Focal Point of the United States of America notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5), in a male from Colorado State.

The case developed fatigue on 20 April, during participation in slaughtering poultry from 18 to 22 April, at a commercial poultry facility in Colorado where influenza A (H5N1) virus had been confirmed in the poultry.

All individuals who were exposed to poultry and involved in depopulation activities at this facility are being monitored for symptoms for 10 days following the last date of their last exposure and will be tested if symptomatic in accordance with the US CDC guidelines and US Department of Agriculture guidance. Close contacts of the index case are also being monitored.
 

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)


Province Concern
 

Oman and Qatar
 

Situation - Oman
 

On 28 April 2022, the National IHR Focal point of Oman notified WHO of one case of MERS-CoV from Al Dhahira Governorate in Oman. The case, a 34-year-old male, non-health care worker who is a resident of Al Dhahira Governorate the patient has a history of direct contact with animals including dromedaries, sheep and goats at his family farm in Oman.
 

Situation - Qatar
 

Between 22 March and 3 April 2022, the National IHR Focal Point of Qatar reported two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection to the WHO. The first case was a 50-year-old male, working and living in a camel farm in Al Shaniya Doha. And The second case was an 85-year-old male, dromedary camel owner living in Doha.
 

Entry Requirements

Prior to confirming your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, you should consider the entry requirements of Thailand. You may need to get vaccinated or apply for a visa in order to enter the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Health and Vaccinations

As with traveling to most other countries, health authorities advise all travelers to always make sure that they’re up to date on all their vaccinations before the trip. Every traveler needs to be up to date on their routine vaccinations, which are: thediphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine, the polio vaccine, the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and your regular flu vaccine.

Additionally, please see the table below for more specific vaccine recommendations that may apply to specific people before entering Thailand.

For more information please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov

Vaccine

Who Needs It?

Why?

Measles

All travelers: Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

 

Routine vaccines

All travelers

There is a risk of contamination through food or water.

Malaria

Most travelers

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Thailand take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find country-specific information about malaria.

Hepatitis A

Most travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Thailand. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given. Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

There is a high risk of contamination through food or water.

Typhoid

Most travelers: Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

There is a risk of contamination through food or water.

Cholera

Some travelers: There is no longer active cholera transmission and vaccine is not recommended.

There is a risk for contamination through food or water, especially in areas where there is an active transmission.

Hepatitis B

Some travelers: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages to Thailand.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through contaminated needles and other blood products.

Japanese Encephalitis

Some travelers: Recommended for travelers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis consider vaccination for travelers spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

There have been reports of transmissions in Northern Thailand, as well as the coastal areas of Southern Thailand.

Rabies

Some travelers: Rabid dogs are commonly found in Thailand. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Thailand, rabies treatment is often available. Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers) veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens visitors to rural areas since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Thailand.

Although rabies is not a major risk in Thailand, it can be found in some animals, especially street dogs and cats.

Yellow Fever

Some travelers: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.1

There is no risk of yellow fever contamination in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand requires proof of vaccination against yellow fever from all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination. To determine if you are one of these travelers, please see this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Malaria: When traveling in Thailand, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. Areas of Thailand with risk of malaria: Primarily in provinces that border Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, and Laos and the provinces of Kalasin, Krabi (Plai Phraya district), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang Nga (including Phang Nga City), Rayong, Sakon Nakhon, Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Yala, especially the rural forest and forest fringe areas of these provinces. Rare to few cases in other parts of Thailand, including other parts of Krabi Province and the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

None in the islands of Krabi Province (Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Ko Lanta) and Pattaya City. See more detailed information about malaria in Thailand.

Immigration and Customs

The entry requirements to enter Thailand may vary depending on your country of origin. Latest rules on visa exemption to enter the Kingdom of Thailand which effective from now until 30 September 2021, passport holders of the following countries/territory may enter for tourism purposes with a period of stay up to 45 days, without requiring a visa.

List of country see below.

Andora Hong Kong Malaysia San Marino
Australia Hungary Maldives Singapore
Bahrain Iceland Mauritius Slovakia
Belgium Indonesia Monaco Slovenia
Brazil Ireland The Netherlands Spain
Brunei Darussalam Israel New Zealand South Africa
Canada Italy Norway Sweden
Czech Republic Japan Oman Switzerland
Denmark Korea (ROK) Peru Turkey
Estonia Kuwait The Philippines Ukraine
Finland Latvia Poland UAE
France Liechtenstein Luxembourg UK
Germany Lithuania Portugal USA
Greece Luxembourg Qatar Vietnam


For visa on Arrival scheme is further suspended until 31 March 2021.
For other country please contact Thai Embassy near your location for applying visa to enter the kingdom of Thailand.

***Please note that all foreign travelers entering into the Kingdom of Thailand must obtain:

  1. Certificate of Entry (COE)
  2. Fit to Fly health certificate issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
  3. Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, using RT-PCR test, issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
  4. Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) booking confirmation for 14 days.
  5. Medical and travel insurance with a minimum of 1,000,000 USD coverage, including but not limited to COVID-19 treatment throughout the stay in Thailand.
  6. Other required documents needed prior to arrival.

For more information please visit  www.thaiembassy.org

Thai Custom: Guidelines for Airport Passengers click here

Travel Advice and Support

Once you’ve decided to travel to Bangkok, you may want to learn more about Thailand and how you can make the most out of your trip. The best place to start your research would be the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website, which covers a wide range of topics such as:

Travel Checklist

Once your appointment at Bumrungrad International Hospital has been confirmed, our medical travel team will send you a packet of important information you need to know before traveling. To help you better prepare your medical travel itinerary, please take a look at this travel checklist.
 

Section I: Traveling by Air

In general, if you have the below conditions; it is prohibited to travel by air

  • Have passed 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks if you are carrying twins, triplets, etc.).
  • Have a recent heart attack or stroke. Or any type of surgery, especially stomach, brain, eye, orthopedic (bone and joint) surgery including stomach, eye, or head injury. Please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
  • Have an implanted cardiac device such as pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD); please check with your doctor before travelling by air. Don’t forget to carry your personal device identification card with you at all times.
  • Have flu-like symptoms with or without tuberculosis like symptoms such as prolonged cough, weight loss, night sweat, fatigue, fever, and chest pain for more than 2 weeks. We strongly advise you to not travel at this stage, and for them to continue treatment with their current care team until his symptoms have resolved completely.
  • Are suffering from the below signs and symptoms, please check with your doctor to see when it is safe for you to travel.
    • Chest pain.
    • Any disease that you can easily spread to other people.
    • Severe sinus, ear, or nose infections.
    • Breathlessness at rest, difficult breathing.
    • Psychotic illness except when fully controlled.
    • A fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or greater.
    • Skin rash
    • Confusion
    • Bruising or bleeding (without previous injury)
    • Diarrhea that does not go away.
    • Vomiting that does not go away (other than motion sickness).

During the flight:

  • Keep all of your medications in your hand luggage.
  • Drink plenty of water to help prevent hydration and to help loosen your sputum and allow you to keep your chest clear from low humidity levels in air cabin.
  • During a long-distance flight of 4 hours or longer (Also see https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html , deep vein thrombosis can occur as a result of this inactivity; make sure you get up and walk about regularly when permitted by the staff on the aircraft. Bend and stretch your legs and wiggle your feet at regular intervals (for example every 30 minutes) to encourage your circulation.
    • If you have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, your doctor can help you work out what measures you may need to take prior to flying. This may include graduated compression stockings, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
  • If you will need oxygen during the flight, this must be requested in advance. A Medical Information Form, stating your current clinical condition and the reason for oxygen requirement, must be filled out and submitted to the airlines. It may take 3-5 working days to process and subjected to the airlines approval.
 

Section II: Pre-operative Preparation

  • Please inform your doctor before the surgery if you have an existing medical condition for which you are taking medication and/or you have undergone any previous surgeries.
  • If you are taking anticoagulants like aspirin, Persantin®, Ticlid®, Plavix®, warfarin, Orfarin®, heparin, and Fraxiparine®, herbal supplements, and vitamins, especially vitamin E, stop these medications/supplements at least one week before the surgery or as recommended by your doctor.
  • If you smoke and drink alcohol regularly, please stop for at least one week before the surgery to reduce the chances of complications.
  • If you have any underlying diseases: cardiovascular disease / diabetes / high blood pressure / asthma / cancer / or others including any allergic to any medications and any medicines you are taking, current treatment and correlating diagnosis, please inform physician in advance.

Download 

What do I need to prepare for my medical travel? 

  1. Check if your passport is valid and if you need a visa to travel to the destination country. 

  2. Decide how you will finance your medical payment, such as cash or credit card, and make sure additional cash in the local currency. Call your bank or card insurer to forewarn them that you may process a large payment abroad. This is to prevent banks from treating the transaction as suspicious and blocking your account. 

  3. Ensure that you have contact information to your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant. 

  4. Inform your employer about your absence at work due to medical travel. 

  5. Check the weather forecast for Bangkok and prepare yourself. 

  6. Arrange assistance at home when you are abroad. 

  7. Check if it is necessary for you to get certain vaccinations. 

  8. Remember to make your appointment at the clinic and pay the reservation fee if needed. Double check the dates. 

  9. Purchase appropriate flight tickets. Make sure someone will pick you up from the airport. 

  10. Remove any nail polish as the color of your nail plate may help indicate your health condition. 

What should I take with me?

  1. Mobile phone with a charger
  2. Personal documents such as ID card, passport and visa
  3. Credit/debit card and some additional cash in the correct local currency.
  4. Medical records, including current diagnosis, films (X-ray, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound), biopsy results and your contact information.
  5. Daily medication, if any, in original packaging; any type of information regarding any chronic diseases that you may have.
  6. Items for leisure and entertainment purposes during your medical travel; for instance, books, magazines and music players 
  7. Comfortable pajamas and bathrobe if your medical procedure requires overnight stays; for instance, it is recommended that you wear shorts instead of long trousers if you have a knee surgery scheduled; for a shoulder operation, you may consider bringing a zip-up blazer
  8. Comfortable undergarments and socks
  9. Shoes to walk around the clinic – if you are undergoing plastic or another upper-body surgery, then you may take slippers. In the case of the orthopedic procedure, please bear in mind that you need some more stable footwear trainers.
  10. A basic set of toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, comb, sanitary napkins, shaving kit, hair band, lip balm and face wash
  11. Towels
  12. A set of clothes for your physiotherapy and rehabilitation, if it is required after surgery; this may include tracksuit and a pair of sneakers
  13. Largely depends on the purpose of your medical travel, you may consider visiting sightseeing destinations; if that is the case, bring casual clothes and comfortable shoes; however, if you may undergo procedures that affect mobility, such as a hip replacement, you should consider bringing comfortable loose trousers, blazer and elastic shorts.
  14. Sleep essentials such as earplugs, pajamas and your favorite small pillow

Political status

COUNTRY RISK ASSESSMENT

A4

Country Risk

See the country risk analysis provided by Coface.


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Traffic Status

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MOPH

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Weather Status

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Patient's Rights

We can provide better medical care when you and your family work together as partners with our staff. While it is our responsibility to advise you of your rights as a patient; you also have responsibilities in your treatment and care. We urge you to ask questions, cooperate, and be proactive in the medical care plan. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with any staff member or manager.

While you are in our hospital, you have certain rights as a patient: 

  1. Patients have fundamental rights to get medical care from healthcare professionals without discrimination as stated in the constitution.
  2. Patients have the rights to receive truthful and adequate information about the illness, investigation, treatment, as well as benefits and risks from healthcare professionals in an appropriate language before making a decision to consent except in a case of emergency and life-threatening conditions.
  3. Patients with life-threatening conditions have the rights to receive immediate medical attention from healthcare professionals without the need to request for help.
  4. Patients have the rights to know name and profession of the responsible healthcare providers.
  5. Patients have the rights to ask for an opinion of another healthcare professionals and have the rights to request for a change to other healthcare professionals or medical facility that comply with the terms and conditions of respective health insurance.
  6. Patients have the rights to confidentiality of medical information except when a consent is provided or when the information is required by healthcare professionals to provide direct medical benefits. 
  7. Patients have the rights to be completely informed before making a decision to participate in human subject research. 
  8. Patients have the rights to make a request for information in their medical record that comply with hospital rules and regulations as long as the request does not violate the rights of others. 
  9. A parent or legal guardian may exercise the rights on behalf of the patient who is under 18 years old or physically or mentally incompetent.

If You have Questions, Concerns, or Comments

Please contact us in one of the following channels:

  1. Tell our staff directly (attending nurse or doctor)
  2. Write your comments on a patient feedback card and give it to one of our staff or put it in one of the suggestion box located throughout the hospital
  3.  Call our Contact Center (dial “00” for internal hospital line or 0-2066-8888 from outside)
  4. Send us an e-mail to: [email protected] 

Patient’s Responsibilities

  1. Patients are responsible for asking for information and potential risks before signing an informed consent for diagnostic or treatment procedure.
  2. Patients are responsible for providing truthful and complete health and other information to the responsible healthcare professionals.
  3. Patients are responsible for cooperating and following healthcare professionals’ recommendations about medical care and should notify when the compliance may not be possible. 
  4. Patients are responsible for cooperating and complying with the following hospital’s rules and regulations:
    1. Patients are responsible for providing complete and correct information for reimbursement from an insurance company as soon as possible after receiving an invoice from the hospital.
    2. Patients are responsible for providing a copy of advance directive, living will, and written decision of preferred treatment options.
    3. Patients are responsible for the medical appointments or inform the hospital if rescheduling is needed.
    4. Patients are responsible for direct cooperation with hospital management representatives to resolve a complaint.
    5. Patients are responsible for bringing only personal items essential for the hospital stay but not valuables.
    6. Patients are responsible for not leaving the hospital facility without a permission from the doctor or nurse to ensure patient safety.
    7. Patients are responsible for receiving medical and nursing care only from the hospital but not by other persons or by themselves except when instructed by the hospital to do so.
  5. Patients are responsible for treating healthcare professionals, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
  6. Patients are responsible for informing about health insurance benefit with proper documentation to the hospital.
  7. Patients are responsible for being aware of the following facts:
    1. Healthcare professionals who perform standard and ethical practice are protected by law and have the rights to be protected from unfair accuse.
    2. Medical care refers to a current medical practice that is based on scientific evidence to show higher benefits than risks to the patient.
    3. Medical care cannot diagnose, prevent, or treat all diseases or condition.
    4. Any medical care can result in unexpected consequences despite the fact that the healthcare professional have been extremely careful in any situation.
    5. Any test for disease screening, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring might have inaccurate result because of technological limitation and other uncontrollable by current standards.
    6. Healthcare professionals have the rights to choose an evidence-based medical treatment option in a given context and limitations as well as to consult or refer the patient as appropriate.
    7. Healthcare professionals may consult or refer the patient who are not in an emergency or life-threatening condition.
    8. Medical care provided by healthcare professionals might be compromised if necessary health information is not disclosed by the patient.
    9. Emergency room is only for patients who are in emergency and life-threatening condition.

Any act of physical violence, verbal threats or intimidation towards the hospital staff will not be tolerated. Anyone, who uses violence against hospital staff, is prosecuted and may be banned from using hospital services.

ETHICS CONSULTATION

Our Hospital’s Ethics Committee is available to consult with patients and families who face ethical issues or questions regarding their care choices. To arrange for a consultation please call the Hospital’s Contact Center by pressing “00” on your telephone from inside the hospital or 0-2066-8888 from outside and tell the representative you’d like to speak with a member of the Ethics Committee.

 
Finding your way to Bumrungrad

Finding Your Way to Bumrungrad

We are committed to providing world-class service to our international patients at Bumrungrad International Hospital. We offer a personalized approach to serving the unique needs of our patients, and it starts the moment you land in Bangkok. 

Bumrungrad Airport Representative

Bumrungrad International Hospital has a dedicated airport representative team to assist you as soon as you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. After immigration and customs checks, please proceed to Exit B or C (depending on where you collect your luggage) and walk towards Gate 10. The Bumrungrad Airport counter is located diagonally across Exit C of the Arrival Hall as shown in the picture above. More Information


  

Your airport representative can help you with the following: 

  • Arrange Bumrungrad shuttle van services (one-way only) for your arrival. 

  • Book an appointment in advance. 

  • Make changes to your appointment upon arrival. 

  • Make hotel reservations upon arrival. 

 

Bumrungrad Shuttle Van Service

Bumrungrad International Hospital provides complimentary shuttle van service from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Bumrungrad or hotels close by the hospital. For reservation, please send your request at least one day in advance to [email protected] (Patient is required to have a booking with our doctor). The departure time of the shuttle van depends on the prevailing traffic conditions.

At Suvarnabhumi International Airport, there are many transportation options available. This includes: 

At Don Mueang International Airport, there are also a number of public transportation options for you to choose from.  

Maps and Directions to Bumrungrad

Bumrungrad International Hospital is one of the world’s premier healthcare establishments, with over 55 specialized clinical departments. Located in the heart of Bangkok,Bumrungrad is easily accessible. Here are a number of maps and directions to help you make your way to the hospital with ease.

Area Map

Bumrungrad International Hospital Bangkok Thailand Map and Direction
Click to download map - PDF (618 KB)

 

Interactive Google Map 


View Larger Map

Getting a Taxi from Suvarnabhumi

If you would like to head to Bumrungrad on your own, we recommend getting a taxi from the airport. There is a taxi stand located on the ground level of the Main Terminal Building. Generally speaking, the queue might be long, but it tends to move fairly quickly. Simply let the staff at the taxi stand know your destination. To head straight to Bumrungrad, our hospital name is sufficient as are well known in Bangkok. 
 
All drivers should the taxi meter in Bangkok, and the fare automatically starts at 35 THB. There is an additional surcharge of 50 THB for getting a taxi from the airport, and this is payable to the driver at the end of the journey. We recommend that you take the highway from the airport, as the elevated freeway takes you right into the heart of Bangkok, very close to Bumrungrad.  
 
If you get a taxi from the airport or anywhere around Bangkok, it is best to make sure you that you have small notes such as 100 THB as taxi drivers do not often carry a lot of change. In Bangkok, tips are accepted gratefully by taxi drivers. For a journey from the airport to Bumrungrad, 20 THB is a good tip.
A Guide to Ensure That Your Stay is Comfortable

A Guide to Ensure That Your Stay is Comfortable

When you stay at Bumrungrad, you are taken care of by a professional team of staff and nurses who are an expert in addressing your specific needs. We are dedicated to making your patient stay a smooth and exceptional experience.

Pre-admission Procedure

Patients, including medical travelers, can only be admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital upon a physician’s recommendation. Click here to book an appointment

During the admission process, patients will be informed of the following:

  • Types of inpatient rooms
  • Pricing of the inpatient rooms, services and daily meals
  • The estimated cost of operation and procedure
  • Deposits
  • Various modes of payment accepted
  • Contract company
  • Permission to leave the hospital
  • Policy regarding guests staying overnight with the patient
  • Information on infection control, prevention and patient safety
  • Child delivery
  • Policy regarding procedures, medication and treatments at the hospital
  • Inpatient nutritional plans
  • Valuables and safety box
  • Loss and damage policy of hospital property
  • Equipment and tools to be employed in the hospital
  • Information on visas and possible extensions

Admission Time

Patients can check-in anytime depending on the physician’s recommendation and the patient’s scheduled procedure(s). The room charges, services and meal plans will be effective on the first day of admission until 12 pm on the next day.

Contact Admission Office

7am to 8pm: Upon arrival at the hospital, please proceed to the second floor of the Main Hospital Building to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission.

8pm to 7am: Upon arrival at the hospital, please contact the registration desk at the emergency room on the ground floor of the Main Hospital Building to check-in and sign the Application and Consent for Hospital Admission. 

What to Bring

  • Passport with immigration stamp (Arrival stamp by Thai Immigration Bureau)
  • Any proof of medical insurance or benefits such as a letter of guarantee from your insurance company, employer or embassy

This is only applicable for insurance companies, employers and embassies which have a contract agreement with Bumrungrad.

Hospital Services and Facilities

To ensure a restful stay, Bumrungrad provides a range of facilities and services for the comfort and convenience of our patients and their visitors. Click here to learn more about our hospital services and facilities.

Telephone Services

Bedside telephones are available in all inpatient rooms. 

  • To call a local mobile phone, dial 9 and then the mobile phone number.
  • To make a three-digit and four-digit number call, dial 9 and then the three-digit and four-digit number.
  • To make a perimeter call, dial 9, 02 and then the phone number. 
  • To make an up-country call, dial 9, the area code and then the phone number.
  • To make an overseas call, dial 191, 001, the country code, the area code and then the phone number.

Room Entertainment

Television: The inpatient room is equipped with a television, showing free-to-air television channels, a variety of entertainment shows and sports games.  Internet access: High-speed Internet will be accessible with a unique password that is given upon check-in.

Meal Services

Inpatient meals: To ensure that all our patients receive proper nutritional value under our physician’s recommendation, patients are encouraged to only consume the food provided by the hospital. Our dietetic services will take the patient’s procedure into consideration and present freshly cooked meals that are best for their health condition.

Dining options: A range of dining options is available for patients, family members and friends in the Main Hospital Building of Bumrungrad. Most of these restaurants will deliver directly to the patient’s room with a simple phone call. Click here to learn more.

Nursing Services

For our patient’s safety and convenience, there is a nursing call handset by your bed, connecting you to our nursing staff 24 hours a day. There are also call bells located in the bathroom. Our team of nurses and staff are always happy to assist. 

Patient attendant: For patient attendant services, please contact ward nurses for more information. Once requested and approved, we will allocate a patient attendant or nursing assistant to the room.

Business Center

The Business Center is a central point of information and contacts, providing support and help to all patients and their families with their travel documentation. This includes visa extension, clerical duties and other secretary support services. We are here to ensure that medical travelers admitted to Bumrungrad and their families are well assisted during their stay in Bangkok. Click here to learn more. 

Other Services

  • Housekeeping: Every patient room is cleaned daily by our housekeeping team. You can inform our ward nurses of any specific needs or requirements.
  • Newspaper: On Request.
  • Maintenance requests: If you find anything is faulty, please inform our ward nurses to prepare for repair.
  • Security: There is an in-room electronic safe box, which we encourage patients to use for depositing valuables.
  • Fire safety: The hospital has an automatic fire alarm system.
  • No smoking: Smoking is prohibited by law on all hospital grounds.
  • Parking: Our car parking lot is open 24 hours a day.

Visiting Guide

At Bumrungrad, we believe that family members and friends play an important role in the patient’s recovery process. We encourage visitors to drop by and keep the patient company under these simple housekeeping rules, which only apply to patients staying at regular wards. Patients staying in private single room can welcome visitors 24 hours.

Visiting the Regular Ward

Patients staying in double or two-bed bedrooms are recommended to welcome visitors between 6 am to 10 pm to avoid disturbing other patients in the room.

After 10 pm, visitors must first register at the nurse station. Once the visitation is approved by the patient, hospital staff will then accompany the visitor to the patient’s room.

Visiting the Critical Care Units

Visitation is only allowed from 9 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 10 pm. Visitation is strictly prohibited during all other hours.

Only two visitors will be allowed in a patient’s room at a time.

Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit patients in critical care units unless it is a critical patient. In that case, visitation will be considered.

Visitors are not permitted to eat, drink or stay overnight in the critical care units.

Photography and videos are prohibited in the critical care department.

Please avoid bringing flowers into the critical care units.

Please refrain from using your mobile phone in the critical care units or surrounding area.

Against Medical Advice 

Against Medical Advice

Patients and Medical travel patients who refuse all types of diagnostic, treatment both inpatient and outpatient; Patients and Medical travel patients have to follow the hospital policy by signing “Consent :Against Medical Advice”

What to expect before and after your discharge

Being discharged may be exciting and stressful at the same time. Bumrungrad offers this guide to help you understand the discharge process and what to expect after departure. Keep in mind that healing doesn’t stop after you leave, and it is important to follow your doctor’s medical advice after departure.

Discharge Plan

At Bumrungrad, patients will be first assessed by physicians before written discharge orders are issued. To ensure that you are ready for the discharge process, the written discharge order must be recorded and filed in your medical records prior to the discharge.

Discharge Time

The discharge happens at 12 am. On the day of your discharge, you are allowed to submit a request for a late discharge and stay longer. However, additional expenses will be applied. 

  • If you decide to discharge before 6 pm, you will be charged half-day for the room and services and full price for any food services.
  • If you decide to discharge after 6 pm, you will be charged for regular room, service and meal plans at full price.

If you require to be transferred to the Critical Care Unit, Bumrungrad would like for you to return the room and help you arrange the transfer immediately.

Educational Resources

It is important to understand the educational resources and recommendations that your doctor gives you at the discharge. The following list includes some of the important takeaways at discharge. Please do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions. 

At discharge, patients will:

  • Be informed and educated about the drugs and medication that they have been given.
  • Be taught how to manage and adapt to the environment so that it does not affect their health condition; how to utilize community resources and deal with the economic and social problems which may affect their condition.
  • Understand the goal of treatment, learn how to observe their own symptoms and know when to notify the physician or nurse about significant symptoms. Patients will have sufficient knowledge to handle any emergency situations by themselves appropriately before arriving at a hospital.
  • Understand their own health status such as limitations and effect from their medical condition. Patients will be able to handle daily activities, cope with the health limitation, aid recovery and prevent complications from happening.
  • Understand and realize the importance of follow-up appointments. Patients should understand the need to ask for help in the case of emergency, as well as the treatment outcome and treatment plan to the other units which may be applicable.
  • Have the know-how in selecting nutritional food that is best for their health condition.

If treatment must be continued at another healthcare facility, patients will discharge and leave with a summary of the given treatment at Bumrungrad. This summary report will be issued by a physician and given to the patient by a nurse at discharge.

Follow-up

Patients will be contacted by Bumrungrad after the discharge for a follow-up regarding their medical conditions and satisfaction towards our services. Please provide the contact details to our nurses so that our coordination physicians and cultural support officers can follow-up with you.

Level of Satisfaction for Health Experience

Your feedback towards our healthcare services is valuable to our organization as we strive to improve our services every day.

Traveling by Air

If you need to travel by air to return to your home country or another travel destination, you will need to as your doctor to certify a Fit for Travel Medical Certificate, as well as a list of medications you will require abroad. The Fit for Travel Medical Certificate is only valid for seven days from the date of issue. Please ensure the following before making travel plans:

  • Ask your physician for a summary of medical reports, lab tests and X-ray results
  • Gather the contact information of your clinic, transport provider and patient assistant
  • Inform your physician and nurse where your destination is
  • Confirm transportation plans at the airport in the destination you are headed to

Bumrungrad's World-Class Facilities

Electrophysiology Lab
Da Vinci Robot-Assisted Surgery

International Accreditation

Joint Commission International

Bumrungrad was the first Asian hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the international arm

Hospital Accreditation-HA

Bumrungrad is the first hospital in Thailand to obtain the Advanced Hospital Accreditation (A-HA) from the Healthcare Accreditation Institute in 2016.

Global Healthcare Accreditation

With a focus on medical travel care, the Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) Program sets the standard for healthcare organizations serving medical travel patients.